As another athletic year comes to a close and we look back at the games won and lost, memories of our favorite moments, and game winning goals or shots there is a lot to be thankful for and individuals to be honored.

Often times with the excitement of a game we forget about those that make all this possible and safe for our student-athletes. This year the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC) has honored Holy Cross College Head Athletic Trainer Amy Heiby as the CCAC Athletic Trainer of the Year.

"Trainer Amy" as she is affectionately known as has distinguished herself as a model of the Athletic Training profession in personal conduct and professional allied health services to athletes.

"Receiving this award means a lot to me, I feel very thankful to have such an acknowledgment and appreciation for what I do for the athletes and coaches," said Amy Heiby. "My heart is full. I'm honored to bring this award and achievement back to my school. It shows a great deal of what Holy Cross College has to offer.

Trainer Amy currently oversees all 10 teams and nearly 150 student-athletes at Holy Cross. Her compassion for the safety and wellness of all students is evident to all those who have met her.

"After 45 years in athletics, I have never seen an Athletic Trainer as dedicated to her athletes as Amy," said Director of Athletics Bob Schermerhorn. "She always goes the extra mile, which in her case is far above what is required. She treats her athletes as if they were a part of her immediate family."

Trainer Amy also implemented secondary athletic insurance for all our athletes and handles all processes and claims for it. Additionally, she created the Holy Cross College Sports Medicine Internship Program in which students are able to gain academic credit when participating in her program.

"Amy Heiby distinguishes herself as a professional Athletic Trainer through her loyalty, integrity, charity, hard work and skills," said Schermerhorn. "As an added bonus, she tops it all off with a genuine smile every day."